Lakewood Gathers to Honor Agent Nicholas Graham, Killed in the Line of Duty

A grieving Colorado community came together on Thursday morning to honor Lakewood Agent Nicholas Graham, the 33-year-old officer killed in the line of duty last week, with a procession and memorial service drawing law enforcement personnel and residents alike.

RTD Transit Police Chief Steve Martingano said members of his department attended to stand alongside fellow officers. "Additionally, RTDPD will be providing our honor guard for Agent Graham's memorial service," Martingano said.

For community member Amber Martinez, the loss has been especially painful because of the young family Graham leaves behind. "People are not only devastated with how young he is and how dedicated he was. He has a 1-year-old baby, a wife, so they're not only sad but they're also angry and trying to figure out how to cope with that," Martinez said.

Graham was killed on Nov. 5 while chasing a suspect wanted in an earlier hit-and-run. The suspect had run onto an RTD bus at Colfax and Wadsworth when the shooting occurred.

Investigators said the suspect opened fire and agents returned fire, killing the man. Agent Graham was also killed in the exchange.

Martinez witnessed parts of that night unfold close to home. She was on her way to pick up her daughter from Lakewood High School when she encountered road closures. "They had West 6th Avenue blocked off. They had 10th Avenue blocked off. I couldn't get to her," she said.

As the community mourns, many residents are still searching for answers, and Martingano stressed that the case remains active. "I also want to emphasize that the suspect's death does not mean the investigation is over. Important questions still remain and we're committed to supporting the investigative process," he said.

Among the unanswered questions is why the suspect, who had been arrested by Broomfield police just weeks before the shooting, was released from detention. "I know there's a lot of frustration in the community about what's being done with our justice system and why this person even had the opportunity to be out," Martinez said.

In response to questions from Denver7, the Colorado Department of Corrections said in a statement that the suspect had been held on a parole warrant, but parole officials determined he met the requirements for release. The department said he was required to meet with a parole officer multiple times after that release, and did so.

Thursday's tribute offered the Lakewood community a chance to grieve together and to recognize an agent remembered for his dedication, even as the investigation into the circumstances of his death continues.